Keys to have the best migration experience

Migration experience can be different for many people in many ways – while some find it exciting and liberating that they can have a fresh start, others are melancholic about leaving their old life and family or friends behind.
While we cannot tell you what exactly you are going to experience after you move to a new country, there are certain things that you can keep in mind to be better prepared and settle effortlessly as an immigrant.

Download a translation app

One of the biggest trouble immigrants experience is not being able to communicate with other people if they are not well-versed in the language of the place they are moving to. It would be ideal if you could learn the language of the place, but not everyone can do that. 

So, how about you download a translation app. It might not always work flawlessly, but you will thank us later when it helps you out in certain tricky situations. 

Research phone and internet providers

We all rely on the internet for a routine life, but when you are settling in a new country, a working phone and internet connection becomes vital. Luckily you can research in advance and place your order (most of the time), so when you are settling and dealing with so many other things, you have a phone and internet connection handy.

You will be ordering new stuff, using the map for navigation, getting your documents sorted and settling in — and you will need a phone and internet connection for all of these things.

Convert some currency

There is nothing wrong with going to the airport or local bank and getting the currency converted there, but if you go prepared with some local currency on you, it will be one less thing to worry about. 

If you have some cash with you (especially smaller notes), you won’t need to worry about your lunch and dinner on the first day or other little things.

Always keep your documents in check

The worst thing that can happen in a new country is documents drama. Since it’s a new country, you will need your documents to register for many things. Whether you are settling for good as an immigrant or you are a student, you will inevitably be registering for a number of things. 

It will take some time to figure out what to carry and where to go. So, it is best to have printed as well as electronic copies of your ID documents, educational degrees and some financial documents as well. You may end up not requiring them, but it’s a mess standing in the queue of a government office trying to find out where you saved your birth certificate!

Arranging digital as well as printed copies of important documents might sound like quite a hassle, but with the right planning, it’s all possible. Be sure to have all your paperwork and visa ready and available at all times. The good news is that once you have got it sorted and saved in an easily accessible yet secure location, you don’t have to go through the process ever again.

Another thing to remember is that all government offices work at different paces and there may be delays before you can move on to the next step. This is the point where they will test your patience; but, doing some homework will help you be prepared for such events. Do some research to plan how long to wait before each appointment.

Embrace the culture

Adjusting to culture shock is one of the biggest experiences for new immigrants. Take your time to study the new culture and understand why locals do things differently. Bond with locals, don’t offend or disrespect things they honour, show an understanding of their customs and participate in their holidays and rituals.

Participate in the festivities of the local holidays because it will help you understand their way of doing things and who knows, you might even enjoy it!

Find a convenient mode of transport

Not everyone can afford to buy a car once they settle in a new place. So, talk to some locals about the available options and choose a mode of transport that is convenient in the meantime. If you are settling permanently, then it is advisable to explore the market first. Don’t rush in to buy a car which you might regret later.

Hold on tight!

You may get frustrated at roadblocks along the way, but the migration experience is going to teach you a lot of valuable lessons. Breathe, take it in one day at a time, and you will settle in sooner than you realize 😊

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